What do the warning symbols on my car dashboard mean?

WARNING lights in your car can be worrying, especially if you’re on a long journey.

Over half of Brits admit to being confused by the symbols in their car, and with over 60 different ones its not hard to see why.

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When passing your driving and theory tests you’re unlikely to be faced with a symbol telling you your adaptive headlight is turned on.

This can mean that many motorists are unclear about the meaning behind the lights on their dashboard.

Along with fines, the highway code and other necessary road information it can be overwhelming trying to remember everything.

A study by HPI found 59 per cent of drivers struggle to recognise what all the warning lights on their dash indicate.

Worryingly, 96 per cent couldn’t recognise a common brake issue light – potentially putting them in danger.

With self driving cars becoming a reality and in-car technology growing, keeping your vehicle in good condition is even more important.

Helpfully, cars use red, yellow and green to indicate if something is wrong – with red being a serious, dangerous problem.

Most of the time if a symbol flashes up on your dashboard that is not normally visible, it is a good idea to check it out.

It’s important to have a good understanding of what your car is trying to say and what you can do about it.

What do each of the symbols on my car’s dashboard mean?

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1. Indicator to push the clutch

2. Indicator to push the brake pedal

3. Locked steering-wheel

4. Full beam turned on

5. Low tyre pressure

6. Side lights on

7. Problems with headlight / tail-lights / signals bulbs

8. Problems with brake lights

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9. Winter mode

10. Info indicator

11. The diesel auxiliary heater

12. Ice warning

13. Starting system problems

14. The key is not in the car

15. Key low battery

16. Warning distance to another car

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17. Service warning light

18. Adaptive headlights turned on

19. Headlight angle adjustment

20. Problems with variable rear spoiler

21. Problems in triggering electric roof

22. Front airbag is switched off

23. Handbrake is on

24. Front fog lights turned on

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25. Power steering system problems

26. Rear fog lights switched on

27. Low level of windscreen fluid

28. Worn brake pads

29. Cruise control is activated

30. Signal indicators

31. Trouble on light sensor or rain sensor

32. Water in fuel filter

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33. Airbag switched off

34. Mechanical problem or electrical error

35. Dipped headlights turned on

36. Dirty air filter requires replacement

37. Parking sensors turned on

38. Problems with the diesel particulate filter (DPF)

39. Error – disconnection of the plug from the trailer

40. Air suspension problems

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41. Warning for leaving your lane with lane assist system active

42. Problems with catalytic converter

43. Seatbelt warning

44. Warning parking light

45. Alternator or battery problems

46. ECO mode turned on

47. Downhill assist on

48. Cooling system problems

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49. Problem with ABS

50. Problems with fuel filter

51. Open door

52. Open bonnet

53. Fuel tank on reserve, need to fill the tank

54. Automatic gearbox problems

55. Speed limiter is active

56. Suspension problems

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57. Front window defroster

58. Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) is off

59. Open boot

60. Low oil pressure

61. The automatic windscreen wiper

62. Engine problems or hazards

63. Rain sensor

64. Rear window defroster